Contacting an animal carcass with an aqueous solution containing an effective
amount of an alkali silicate reduces bacterial contamination of the carcass or
retards bacterial growth on the carcass or both reduces bacterial contamination
and retards bacterial growth on the carcass, without substantial detriment to the
organoleptic properties of the carcass. The method is also useful in treating edible
plant materials, such as fruits and vegetables, to reduce bacterial contamination,
retard bacterial growth or reduce bacterial contamination and retard bacterial
growth on the plant materials.
